12 volt battery on a 2017 Prius Prime
The 12 volt battery on our 2017 Prius Prime died twice. Charged using cables both times, but then decided to put in new battery the second time. How is the 12v battery being charged?
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2017 Toyota Prius Prime Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Let’s start with the basics: the generically named Toyota Prius Plug-in has been re-born as the Toyota Prius Prime—effectively meaning the “best” Prius. Essentially, plug-in hybrids work like electric cars for a restricted length of time before engaging a gasoline-powered engine either as a generator to recharge the battery or, under more taxing circumstances, to drive the wheels. The standard hybrid Toyota Prius has been the poster-car of efficiency and green technology for much of the 21st century thus far, but plug-in hybrid technology was actually brought to market by Chevrolet via the Volt. To say that the plug-in hybrid Prius is the best Prius indirectly commends Chevrolet for this innovation. Perhaps it’s true that competition breeds excellence.
Speaking of excellence, Toyota does not hesitate to declare the Prime’s superiority. Beyond revamped styling that, highlighted by a distinctive rear taillight array, also marginally lengthens, widens, and lowers the car, Toyota has reduced weight thanks to an aluminum hood and carbon fiber in the rear hatch.
This is a car focused on efficiency rather than performance, so don’t act surprised when you read about its 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine (the same as what’s found in all other 2016-and-newer Prii). If speed numbers are important to you, consider the car’s ability to cruise along at 84 mph exclusively under electric power. Like we said, it’s not a performance car, but 84 mph is impressive enough for a plug-in hybrid commuter car and most likely above the posted speed limit anyway.
Although probably not at 84 mph, the Prime will be able to drive under all-electric power in EV mode for 22 miles (doubling the outgoing model’s range), continuing in hybrid mode beyond that. An expected 120 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) will put the Prius Prime above all other competitors in terms of fuel economy, largely due to the car’s efficiency as a hybrid—Toyota is expecting the Prius Prime to deliver equal or better fuel economy than the standard Prius liftback in hybrid mode.
The Prius Prime is expected to reach 600 miles between fill-ups, and its 8.8kWh battery can be charged using a standard 120-volt outlet. A full charge via 120 volts should take only about five and a half hours, but that wait can be cut in half if you have access to a more powerful 240-volt socket.
Interior details don’t often take center stage in efficiency-oriented vehicles, but Toyota insists the Prius Prime will change that expectation. Available leather upholstery and a sound-deadening laminated windshield are expected to make the Prime feel more upscale than your typical commuter car. For comfort-upon-arrival, the air conditioning system can be activated remotely via the key fob.
An available 11.6-inch high-definition display acts as the infotainment centerpiece, while a head-up display will help drivers keep their eyes on the road. Additional tech-oriented features include a USB 2.0 port, wireless phone charging, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, and SiriusXM and HD Radio, with the Entune App Suite allowing for additional features.
All Prius Primes will also be available with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of safety technology that's becoming standard across the Toyota lineup. Pre-collision features include automatic braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. In addition to these helpful tools, the Prime can be had with dynamic radar cruise control (capable of fully stopping the car) and automatic high beams. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings aren’t available for this brand-new model, but it’s hard to imagine it scoring anything other than top marks.
Published May 31, 2022 by Matt Smith
User reviews for 2017 Toyota Prius Prime
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by Anonymous
May 04, 2022
My 2017 Prius prime is a joy to drive. It handles very easily and internal air is very comfortable. But the biggest thing I love about this car is how good my gas mileage is. If I charge it nightly— easy piezy, it can get as high as 200 mpg! So wonderful to do my part to combat climate change and in the process save money on high gas prices.May 04, 2022
by Adam G
Jan 26, 2022
Im a huge fan of the Prius Prime, both 2017 and 2018 models. I just sold my 2012 Toyota Prius, and Im upgrading to a newer Prime.Jan 26, 2022
by justin c
Aug 01, 2021
Car is Gucci get it now def a keeper boomAug 01, 2021
User rating:
by Anonymous
May 04, 2022
My 2017 Prius prime is a joy to drive. It handles very easily and internal air is very comfortable. But the biggest thing I love about this car is how good my gas mileage is. If I charge it nightly— easy piezy, it can get as high as 200 mpg! So wonderful to do my part to combat climate change and in the process save money on high gas prices.May 04, 2022
by Adam G
Jan 26, 2022
Im a huge fan of the Prius Prime, both 2017 and 2018 models. I just sold my 2012 Toyota Prius, and Im upgrading to a newer Prime.Jan 26, 2022
by justin c
Aug 01, 2021
Car is Gucci get it now def a keeper boomAug 01, 2021
by Alex B
Jun 28, 2021
Loved everything about this car’s features except the loss of height in the back hatch. I’ve read they had to sacrifice that space to make room for the extra battery, so it’s for a good reason. I currently drive an ’08 Prius and have been able to haul a surprising amount of stuff in it so seeing the higher floor in the back was a bit of a let down as well as the inability to find a spare tire (even a donut sized one). Also, the back seat is divided, so no laying down across the car with the back seat backs up.
Car had GREAT acceleration. Very smooth ride and quieter than my rumbly 2008.Jun 28, 2021
by Michael B
Jun 02, 2021
It seems like a very nice reliable car. It would fit by commuting routine adequately.Jun 02, 2021
by Jeffrey K
Jan 10, 2021
I drove this car before looking at the reviews because we have a 2010 and we love it. Did not love the next Gen body style and I figured the Prime will be another redesign and we would find it more attractive. While the front looks good the last foot of the vehicle is still not palatable for our tastes. Secondly, I did not like the distraction that the giant 11 inch screen provided as I familiarized myself with how to turn on heat and radio. Knobs still rule over an all glass cockpit. I can turn off heat and radio in my other cars and trucks without taking focus on road. Perhaps a HUD is warranted in the next rendition. It turns out after reading many reviews that this was a common complaint. Jan 10, 2021
by austin t
Dec 25, 2020
Very smooth, quiet, lots of technology, and it’s a plug-in.Dec 25, 2020
by Anonymous
May 12, 2020
Its wonderful and fully meets my needs. My wife and I love it! Im currently averaging 62 mph.
May 12, 2020
by Harold W
Jan 25, 2020
Great vehicle! The interest rate was too high for a loan.Jan 25, 2020
What users have asked
Why doesn't Prius Prime drive train battery trickle charge engine battery?
I was shocked when we needed a jump to start my wife's 2018 Prius Prime - despite the fact the drive train battery was fully charged and the car was plugged in the whole time. The AAA service tech said the 12V battery was charged only by the alternator, and Toyota service checked the battery itself, and it was fine. This bother's me conceptually. I have driven about 800 miles on my 2019 Prius Prime without gas burning at all. Does that mean I am at high risk of my 12V battery dying because I have gone months without the engine running? That seems like a very poor design. Why doesn't the power train battery trickled charge the 12V?
22 views
saving energy
My husband turns off our 2017 Prius Prime at stop lights even though it is in battery mode. Does this help save energy or is it actually putting wear on some part of the car like the starter system?
70 views
12 volt battery replacement for a 2017 prius prime
Is there a video giving directions on how to replace the 1w volt battery in a prius prime with 44k miles
1370 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime?Compare this car
2017 Toyota Prius Prime Pricing
Original MSRP
$27,100 to $33,100Price range
$17,272 to $18,303Average price on CG
$17,272YoY price change
$18,303 to $17,272Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Passenger seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Slacker internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 71 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 53 · Electric Motor Torque: 120 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2 hours · Electric motor charging time (120V): 5.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 25 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 95 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: memory card navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Passenger seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Gracenote internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 71 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 53 · Electric Motor Torque: 120 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2 hours · Electric motor charging time (120V): 5.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 25 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 95 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 11.6 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: memory card navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Slacker internet radio · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 71 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 53 · Electric Motor Torque: 120 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2 hours · Electric motor charging time (120V): 5.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 25 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 95 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 11.6 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse